The National President of the Ghana Red Cross Society (GRCS), Dr Edward Donkoh, has expressed gratitude to volunteers in the Upper West Region for their dedicated service, emphasising their key role in delivering aid during conflicts and disasters.
Addressing a gathering at a brief ceremony in Wa to mark the new year and foster member networking, he commended the John Mahama-led government for including the Red Cross in its budget, enabling the organisation to concentrate on projects rather than operational costs.
Dr Donkoh was inspired by the organisation’s global efforts, including assisting civilians affected by the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
“In fact, a few months ago, during the Ukraine and Russia war, they were having challenges trying to move people who were trapped within the war. They had to fall on the International Committee of the Red Cross, which is a branch of the Red Cross, to do that, and they responded, ” he explained.
He underscored the Red Cross’s mission to serve humanity selflessly, recognising volunteers’ relentless work in first aid, disaster response, and other essential services.
He wished volunteers, their families, and the country a peaceful new year, reaffirming the Red Cross’s dedication to serving humanity and upholding dignity for those in need.
“We do that without even asking for anything, ” stated Dr Donkoh.
Charles Lwanga Pouzing Esq., the Upper West Regional Minister and Regional Patron of the Red Cross, expressed pride in the members’ dedication and pledged continued support for the society’s effective functioning.
Meanwhile, some four stakeholders, and 15 volunteers received certificates in recognition of their commitment.
Maria Johana Yourpor, the Regional Chairperson of the GRCS, said the gathering was organised to honour veteran volunteers, some of whom had served the Society for nearly four decades, and to motivate younger members to remain committed to humanitarian service.
She explained that unlike the usual Red Cross presence at emergencies and crises, the event was meant to allow volunteers to interact, reflect, encourage one another and celebrate their collective achievements.
Issahaque Abdul-Rauf, Upper West Regional Manager of the GRCS, presented an update on activities in the Region, including the ongoing Green Women’s Project at Loho in the Nadowli-Kaleo District, which seeks to empower women through environmentally sustainable livelihoods.
The Ghana Red Cross Society is a member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, operating worldwide to assist vulnerable populations.
By Ibrahim Wangara Abubakari
